Get to Know a Wedding Photographer: Dan Buckley Photography

One of my favorite things about doing the wedding photographer interview series is seeing the vast differences in styles. Dan’s style (from Dan Buckley Photography) is soft and romantic, with a beautiful attention to emotion — love it. Enjoy the interview:

Tell us a bit about yourself and your company

I’m a self-taught photographer. I had an interest in photography for years and finally decided one day it was time to get serious and invest in a camera. I immediately obsessed over it, learning everything I could. I started out shooting modeling portfolios and concerts, eventually expanding into weddings where I would find my niche. My background heavily influences me, as I shoot the bride like a model and the reception like a concert, translating into my own unique style of wedding photography.

How did you get into wedding photography?

I was shooting lots of concerts and events and saw a job ad for a second shooter for a wedding photography studio. I figured it would be a good way to get my feet wet in the industry. Obviously, things went well and I’m now working independently and shooting more weddings than ever before.

What is your favorite part of the wedding day to capture?

I love the reception. Having come from a background of shooting concerts and club events, I enjoy applying that creative style to wedding receptions.

What is the most awkward moment you’ve experienced while on the job?

The very first wedding I ever shot by myself, the bride got into a knock-down slug-fest with the groom’s sister right before leaving for the ceremony. I didn’t know the couple very well, so it was one of those “should I or shouldn’t I be shooting this?” situations. I opted to stay put and not shoot since I wasn’t sure if the bride was winning or losing.

What’s the best thing you ever ate at a wedding?

I have happy memories of some amazing prime rib, and all cake seems like the best thing ever after a long day of shooting.

What is your favorite venue and why?

Don’t have a specific favorite venue, but my favorite in general is the one with lots of natural light. It just always makes the photos look better than with flash.

Nikon or Canon?

Canon!

What is your dream location to shoot a wedding?

Having worked in Europe for a couple of months, I would love to shoot a wedding there. There are so many incredibly scenic and historic places, I honestly wouldn’t know where to start. Vienna maybe?

If you could shoot any celebrity wedding (past, present or future), who would be the lucky couple?

Will and Kate’s wedding would’ve looked nice on the resume.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned, and would pass along to other new wedding photographers just getting started?

Be careful who you work with and be aware that just because something is in writing does not mean it will be honored. I had a former associate completely ignore agreements and copyrights and continue to present my work as her own for months after we parted ways. Educate yourself on copyright law, because if your work is really good, people of lesser skill may try to take advantage of that for their own benefit.